May 2017 - AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

EQUiSat Optical Beacon CubeSat
by Trevor . 17 Oct '18

17 Oct '18

Students at the Ivy League Brown University are developing an amateur radio satellite EQUiSat that will carry a Xenon Flash Tube (XFT) subsystem to act as an Optical Beacon that should be visible to the unaided eye of observers on Earth. See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=10635 73 Trevor M5AKA AMSAK-UK http://www.amsat-uk.org/ ----

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Using 1.2Ghz
by Todd 04 Apr '18

04 Apr '18

Thinking about adding the 1.2Ghz module for my 9100. Prices have dropped a little and units will start become harder to find once production ends. Anybody using this band? I read it's used as a uplink frequency for some satellites. Any input appreciated.ToddAL7PX

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Outernet L-Band now carries AMSAT and ARISS weekly bulletins
by Robert Bruninga 17 Mar '18

17 Mar '18

The Outernet L-band feed is now carrying a condensed version of the AMSAT and ARISS weekly news files. (Global Geosat coverage except for Northern Alaska)... Receivers are simple: http://aprs.org/outnet.html For ARISS, I manually added a 2 char grid square to each school listed in the school schedule and am asking the outernet folks to parse out that location info and plot a 1200 km footprint on their weather globe showing where people can tune in the ARISS contacts. Then their RTL-SDR dongle could then actually be retuned to hear the contact. Just an idea... Bob, WB4APR -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Dani EA4GPZ Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2016 7:36 AM To: amsat-bb(a)amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] New Outernet L-Band service... >> I hope someday a service like this will be available >> from an AMSAT geostationary service. > I'm pretty confident that the guys at AMSAT-DL are capable > of doing this much better on the upcoming EsHail'2 > than what Outernet is currently doing on Inmarsat... > They already have in mind a "DVB-S beacon"... broadcast > from the ground station at Qatar ... carrying videos > about Ham radio and Ham radio events on this signal. > What is more, if you have equipment to operate EsHail'2 on SSB, > it's more or less easy to use either the narrowband transponder > or the wideband transponder to transmit an Outernet-type signal > through EsHail'2, so anyone can have a go with this. > Outernet uses 4200baud BPSK and half of the bitrate is spent for FEC. > You can use a bit less bitrate to get a signal that will even pass > through a conventional 2.7kHz SSB filter and you can use less > bits for FEC to get increased data throughput (but more SNR required). > Dani EA4GPZ.

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AO-73/FUNcube Mode switch
by Jim Heck G3WGM 27 Oct '17

27 Oct '17

Hi Folks, This is to let you know that I have just switched AO-73/FUNcube into amateur mode, with transponder activated 24/7. Early this week due to ground station availability. As per normal, we will switch back to autonomous mode on Sunday pm UTC. 73s Jim G3WGM and the FUNcube Team ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FUNcube frequencies and other details ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ AO-73 FUNcube-1 The transponder is normally operational only when the satellite is in eclipse, ie the solar panels are NOT being illuminated. During weekends (from pm Fridays UTC to PM Sundays UTC) the transponder is operational 24/7. When the transponder is switched off, the telemetry beacon is on full power, when the transponder is on the beacon it is on low power. During holidays, eg Christmas, New Year, Easter, etc, the transponder maybe activated for extended periods. Watch AMSAT-BB for announcements which are usually made on Friday evenings (UTC) The nominal transponder frequencies are: Uplink: 435.150 - 435.130 MHz LSB (Inverting) Downlink: 145.950 - 145.970 MHz USB Telemetry Tx: 145.935 MHz BPSK (The passband may be up to 15kHz higher depending on on-board temps. Low temperatures give higher freqs!) FUNcube-2 aka FUNcube on UKube The FUNcube-2 sub-system continues to operate autonomously and, almost continuously, in amateur mode. The transponder is operational and the telemetry downlink is functioning with about 70mW output. The FUNcube-1 Dashboard does not correctly display the telemetry but it does correctly decode the data and uploads it to the FUNcube Data Warehouse from where it can be examined. Most of the real time data channels are operational and these include battery voltages, temperatures and ADCS data coming via the main On Board Computer (OBC). The transponder is interrupted for a few seconds every 2 minutes when the other transmitter sends its CW beacon and, occasionally, for a few seconds when the main OBC reboots (approx seven times each orbit). The nominal transponder frequencies are: Uplink: 435.080 - 435.060 MHz LSB (Inverting) Downlink: 145.930 - 145.950 MHz USB Telemetry Tx: 145.915 MHz BPSK (The passband may be up to 10kHz higher depending on on-board temps. Low temperatures give higher freqs!) EO79 FUNcube-3 Due to power budget constraints the transponder cannot be operational 24/7 and an orbit specific schedule has been developed. The transponder will commence operation 27 minutes after the spacecraft enters sunlight and will stay on for a period of 25 minutes. This schedule may be modified in future months as a result of experience. The nominal transponder frequencies are: Uplink: 435.0723-435.0473 MHz LSB (Inverting) Downlink: 145.946-145.971 MHz USB Further detailed info on EO79 transponder frequencies is at: https://amsat-uk.org/2016/11/10/eo79-funcube-3-transponder-commences-regula… Nayif-1 FUNcube-5EO88 is presently operating in autonomous mode. The transponder isoperational when the satellite is in eclipse, ie the solar panels are NOTbeing illuminated.When the transponder is switched off, the telemetry beacon is on full power,when the transponder is on the beacon it is on low power.The transponder frequencies are:Uplink: 435.045 – 435.015 MHz LSB (inverting)Downlink: 145.960-145.990 MHz USBTelemetry Tx: 145.940MHzAll FUNcube transponders are sponsored by AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-NL. We are verygrateful for the assistance given by Innovative Solution In Space Bv, TheNetherlands. _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Alert! AO-40 is working again!
by Vince Fiscus, KB7ADL 28 Sep '17

28 Sep '17

April Fools.

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2015-10-26 23:00 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 22 Sep '17

22 Sep '17

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2015-10-26 23:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Possible Russian contact with Kursk Tue 2015-10-27 11:35 UTC Dearborn Public Schools, Dearborn, Michigan, USA, direct via K8UTT The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Kjell Lindgren KO5MOS Contact is a go for Option #3: Tue 2015-10-27 16:01:59 UTC 57 deg Watch for a live video stream that should start about 15:00 UTC: (***) http://www.dearbornschools.org https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbhrQiZ62LE Daggett Montessori School K-8, Fort Worth, Texas, USA, direct via K5COW The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Kjell Lindgren KO5MOS Contact is a go for Option #4: Thu 2015-10-29 14:12:56 UTC 31 deg **************************************************************************** ** Interested in hosting an ARISS contact? The window is now open from 2015-09-01 to 2015-11-01. These proposals will be for school contacts during the second half of 2016. Go to http://www.arrl.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact or http://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html for full details. To help organizations in preparing their proposals, the ARISS Program Coordinator will offer hour-long online information sessions. These are designed to provide more information regarding US ARISS contacts and the proposal process and offer an opportunity to ask questions. While attending an online information session is not required, it is strongly encouraged. These will be offered Thursday, September 17, at 2000 UTC; Tuesday, September 22, at 2000 UTC, and Wednesday, September 30, at 2300 UTC. Advance registration is necessary. Email ARISS (ariss(a)arrl.org) to sign up for an information session. **************************************************************************** ** >From 2015-12-20 to 2016-01-04, there will be no US Operational Segment (USOS) hams on board ISS. So any schools contacts during this period will be conducted by the ARISS Russia team. **************************************************************************** ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts. ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance. Feel free to send your reports to aj9n(a)amsat.org or aj9n(a)aol.com. **************************************************************************** Several of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able to get in. That has now been changed to http://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. **************************************************************************** Looking for something new to do? How about receiving DATV from the ISS? If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete details. Look for the buttons indicating Ham Video. http://www.ariss-eu.org/ If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight. Contact Kerry at kbanke(a)sbcglobal.net **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulations the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Gaston ON4WF with 121 Francesco IKØWGF with 114 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 112 **************************************************************************** The webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy. Out of date webpages were removed and new ones have been added. If there are additional ARISS websites I need to know about, please let me know. Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. All dates and times listed follow International Standard ISO 8061 date and time format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of 2015-10-24 06:00 UTC. (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed live. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1001. (***) Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 966. (***) Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 46. A complete year by year breakdown of the contacts may be found in the file. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: Arkansas, Delaware, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL information may be found at: http://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** The successful school list has been updated as of 2015-10-24 06:00 UTC. (***) http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correction .rtf Listing of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 43/44 on orbit Scott Kelly Mikhail Kornienko RN3BF Exp. 44 on orbit Oleg Kononenko RN3DX Kimiya Yui KG5BPH Kjell Lindgren KO5MOS Exp. 45 on orbit Sergey Volkov RU3DIS **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

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AO73 Mode change
by Graham Shirville 09 Jun '17

09 Jun '17

Hi folks, AO73/FUNcube-1 is now in amateur mode for an extended weekend with the transponder on to enable demonstration QSOs to take place in sunny Dayton - have FUN everyone! Please see below for all FUNcube mission info 73s Graham G3VZV and the FUNcube team. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FUNcube frequencies and other details ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ AO-73 FUNcube-1 The transponder is normally operational only when the satellite is in eclipse, ie the solar panels are NOT being illuminated. During weekends (from pm Fridays UTC to PM Sundays UTC) the transponder is operational 24/7. When the transponder is switched off, the telemetry beacon is on full power, when the transponder is on the beacon it is on low power. During holidays, eg Christmas, New Year, Easter, etc, the transponder maybe activated for extended periods. Watch AMSAT-BB for announcements which are usually made on Friday evenings (UTC) The nominal transponder frequencies are: Uplink: 435.150 - 435.130 MHz LSB (Inverting) Downlink: 145.950 - 145.970 MHz USB Telemetry Tx: 145.935 MHz BPSK (The passband may be up to 15kHz higher depending on on-board temps. Lower temperatures give higher freqs!) FUNcube-2 (aka FUNcube on UKube) The FUNcube-2 sub-system continues to operate autonomously and, almost continuously, in amateur mode. The transponder is operational and the telemetry downlink is functioning with about 70mW output. The FUNcube-1 Dashboard does not correctly display the telemetry but it does correctly decode the data and uploads it to the FUNcube Data Warehouse from where it can be examined. Most of the real time data channels are operational and these include battery voltages, temperatures and ADCS data coming via the main On Board Computer (OBC). The transponder is interrupted for a few seconds every 2 minutes when the other transmitter sends its CW beacon and, occasionally, for a few seconds when the main OBC reboots (approx seven times each orbit). The nominal transponder frequencies are: Uplink: 435.080 - 435.060 MHz LSB (Inverting) Downlink: 145.930 - 145.950 MHz USB Telemetry Tx: 145.915 MHz BPSK (The passband may be up to 10kHz higher depending on on-board temps. Low temperatures give higher freqs!) EO79 FUNcube-3 Due to power budget constraints the transponder cannot be operational 24/7 and an orbit specific schedule has been developed. The transponder will commence operation 27 minutes after the spacecraft enters sunlight and will stay on for a period of 25 minutes. This schedule may be modified in future months as a result of experience. The nominal transponder frequencies are: Uplink: 435.0723-435.0473 MHz LSB (Inverting) Downlink: 145.946-145.971 MHz USB Further detailed info on EO79 transponder frequencies is at: https://amsat-uk.org/2016/11/10/eo79-funcube-3-transponder-commences-regula… EO88/Nayif-1/FUNcube-5 EO88 is presently operating in autonomous mode. The transponder is operational when the satellite is in eclipse, ie the solar panels are NOT being illuminated. When the transponder is switched off, the telemetry beacon is on full power, when the transponder is on the beacon it is on low power. The transponder frequencies are: Uplink: 435.045 – 435.015 MHz LSB (inverting) Downlink: 145.960-145.990 MHz USB Telemetry Tx: 145.940MHz All FUNcube transponders are sponsored by AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-NL. We are very grateful for the assistance given by Innovative Solution In Space Bv, The Netherlands. _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Re: [amsat-bb] Be kind to our old lady AO-7
by Rick Tejera 31 May '17

31 May '17

Wait till Field Day......... Rick Tejera (K7TEJ) Saguaro Astronomy Club www.saguaroastro.org Thunderbird Amateur Radio Club www.W7TBC.org -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ronald G. Parsons Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2017 4:42 PM To: AMSAT-BB <AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org> Subject: [amsat-bb] Be kind to our old lady AO-7 Lately, AO-7 has spontaneously switched out of Mode B during passes over the US and probably other places. Since AO-7’s batteries are not functioning, it relies totally on its solar cells, which have limited capacity. As more users are online, and especially when one or more users are using more than the minimum necessary uplink power, the power system will fail and cause a switch out of Mode B. I have saved a FlexRadio waterfall display of four passes from around 2200Z from the four previous days. In three out of four passes, just before the unexpected mode switch, a strong CW signal popped up around 145.950 MHz. AO-7 switched out of Mode B seconds thereafter. I can’t say for sure it was the cause but it happened three days in a row. Today’s pass had only one user, a low-power digital signal which appeared briefly, and no mode switch occurred. Screen shot JPG’s are available via the following link. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-Jez46MB5RaMzV0RlhmWHNWcjg/view?usp=shari… To minimize the chance of causing a switch out of Mode B, use the very minimum uplink power necessary. Even if a mode switch is not triggered, too much uplink power will cause distortion over the entire passband. AO-7 has been a great satellite, and she deserves our tender loving care. USE THE LOWEST POSSIBLE UPLINK POWER!!! Ron W5RKN _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Be kind to our old lady AO-7
by Ronald G. Parsons 31 May '17

31 May '17

Lately, AO-7 has spontaneously switched out of Mode B during passes over the US and probably other places. Since AO-7’s batteries are not functioning, it relies totally on its solar cells, which have limited capacity. As more users are online, and especially when one or more users are using more than the minimum necessary uplink power, the power system will fail and cause a switch out of Mode B. I have saved a FlexRadio waterfall display of four passes from around 2200Z from the four previous days. In three out of four passes, just before the unexpected mode switch, a strong CW signal popped up around 145.950 MHz. AO-7 switched out of Mode B seconds thereafter. I can’t say for sure it was the cause but it happened three days in a row. Today’s pass had only one user, a low-power digital signal which appeared briefly, and no mode switch occurred. Screen shot JPG’s are available via the following link. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-Jez46MB5RaMzV0RlhmWHNWcjg/view?usp=shari… To minimize the chance of causing a switch out of Mode B, use the very minimum uplink power necessary. Even if a mode switch is not triggered, too much uplink power will cause distortion over the entire passband. AO-7 has been a great satellite, and she deserves our tender loving care. USE THE LOWEST POSSIBLE UPLINK POWER!!! Ron W5RKN

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UT1FG/MM Schedule
by John Papay 31 May '17

31 May '17

Yuri, UT1FG, is in IN79 now and he is headed to Gibraltar and Cartagena to unload. He plans to be on most AO-7 and FO-29 passes that touch the East Coast of the US, both day and nightime. He will likely depart the ship and fly home on the 10th of June. First pass will be 0130z tonight on FO-29. Please send me logsheets by June 5th. Hopefully he will be able to mail them when he leaves the ship. 73, John K8YSE --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Re: [amsat-bb] Captains and Passengers
by Roy Dean 30 May '17

30 May '17

*KA9QJG KA9QJG at COMCAST.NET <amsat-bb%40amsat.org?Subject=Re%3A%20%5Bamsat-bb%5D%20Captains%20and%20Passengers&In-Reply-To=%3C02d501d2d8bd%2470a6e4d0%2451f4ae70%24%40COMCAST.NET%3E> Wrote:* *As We all know the World has changed since 911 , As a big Scanner user **all of us use to be able to take a Scanner , Recorder . Camera , Binoculars **Etc to an Airport , Rail Yard , Boat Yard to Listen and find Freqs . if **we try that now Homeland Security will drag our butts in for Questioning .* Oddly enough, the above is what got me into amateur radio (satellites came along for the ride) - the government slowly starting to encrypt their communications. But the rest of it (being questioned by homeland security) is not true (or, at least, is illegal). If you are on public property, and are not breaking any laws (of which there are none when it comes to binoculars or cameras), then homeland security CANNOT detain you. If they do, you have a very winnable court case. See: http://www.photoattorney.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Photographing-the-E… The above applies to private entities, as well. If scanning is legal in your locale (and it is in MOST states), then local and federal police can't do anything about it - at least not without violating our (USA) constitutional rights.

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For Sale: FT-817nd
by Ken Alexander 30 May '17

30 May '17

I have for sale one FT-817ND, in excellent condition and complete with box, manual and all standard accessories as it comes from the store. Asking U.S. $580 and includes shipping to Canada and continental U.S. Paypal or Interac e-transfer please. 73, Ken VE3HLS

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Elex equip surviving total immersion
by Robert Bruninga 29 May '17

29 May '17

Leaning over the edge of a pier, I heard a plunk and as they say, time slowed down as my brain instantly realized it was my cellphone,. I jumped in and dug around in the muck (about 3' deep) and probably in under a minute found it. Ran to the house. ran fresh water all over it, dried it and then the same with alcohol. Then dried it in the toaster oven (NOT ON, but I'd let it get too hot to touch, then turn it off and stick the phone in. That sorta worked. But the screen was shot. Next day I took it apart 2 screws and then just unsnap everything. There is virtually nothing inside but one circuit board anda few chips and the chcklet keyboard. The screen would not detach. So I then put the ckt brd in a 60C (140F) box and left it 24 hours. Now it works perfectly! Just FYI Bob

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ARRL/TAPR DCC Announced, St. Louis, MO, Septeber 15 - 17, 2017
by Mark Thompson 29 May '17

29 May '17

2017 ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference) Announced Saint Louis, MO September 15 - 17, 2017 Holiday Inn Airport West, Earth City, MO More Information at: http://www.tapr.org/dcc

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Ham Radios on Cruises
by Klaper Martin HSLU I 29 May '17

29 May '17

Also the German TUI Cruises "Mein Schiff ..." fleet does not allow to take ham radio transmitters on board. Perhaps we should setup a list of ham-friendly tour operators.

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Captains and Passengers
by Alan 29 May '17

29 May '17

All, Some basic rules which apply to captains and passengers, whether of an airliner or a ship: 1. The captain is always The Captain, master after God. 2. If the captain is wrong, see rule 1. This does not mean his decisions can be completely arbitrary. For instance, if the company he works for has a rule which says no ham operations, he is subject to termination if he overrides that. If the company permits ham operations, but he considers there are additional considerations which in his judgement make that unsafe, he has the authority to make that decision. There may be valid temporary reasons, such as maintenance issues which while not unsafe impose operational restrictions until corrected. He may well be required to forbid ham operation under those circumstance. He will need to report that, and he may need to justify his decision to his boss. A pattern of arbitrary decisions showing poor judgement may lead to termination, or even loss of his Master's license. By all means inquire before or complain after the trip, but in no case does he need to justify his actions to you. See rule 1. 73s, Alan WA4SCA Retired American Airlines Captain

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Ham Radios on Princess Cruises
by Jerry Buxton 29 May '17

29 May '17

This is a very interesting item. Being a multi-time Princess cruiser, I have requested, received permission for, and taken ham radios on a dozen cruises over almost two decades. Today, in following up on my unanswered request for our upcoming cruise, I was informed through our Princess travel agent that the department which handles the amateur radio requests says that there will be no more permissions given as ham radios have been added to the prohibited items list by Princess Security. Interestingly, FRS is not on that same list. We had a bit of a discussion about it but of course the agent is not in any position to do more than handling the request to the person in charge of that, so there won't be any VP9/N0JY/MM on this cruise. To make it worse, that would also prohibit even taking the HTs along for use on land as we tour the British Isles. I am totally bummed. Does anybody on this list work for Princess Cruises, maybe have some thoughts on this? :-) -- Jerry Buxton, NØJY

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SDRPlay RSP 1 for sale
by Matthew Stevens 29 May '17

29 May '17

I have an SDRPlay RSP 1 for sale, I bought it new from HRO last October intending to use it as a linear satellite receiver. It's basically brand new out of the box, I did use it two or three times, and it works well. Shortly after, I got an FT-857 to got with my FT-817 for a full duplex sat rig as well as a portable HF radio, and the SDRPlay has been sitting on a shelf ever since. The SDR is great but dual radios just fit my all-portable operating style better. I'd like to get $110 for it, shipped. Included is a Tripp-Lite dual ferrite choked USB cable, which I found helpful to prevent RFI from affecting the front end of the receiver. Also an SMA>SO-239 pigtail. If anyone is interested, contact me off list. 73, - Matthew kk4fem Sent from my iPhone

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Upcoming ARISS contact with Australian Air League South Australia Wing, Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia
by n4csitwo＠bellsouth.net 29 May '17

29 May '17

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Australian Air League South Australia Wing, Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia on 31 May. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 09:35 UTC. It is recommended that you start listening approximately 10 minutes before this time.The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between NA1SS and W6SRJ. The contact should be audible over the west coast of the U.S. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English. The Australian Air League is a youth organization for boys and girls aged from 8 to 18 years which encourages an interest in aviation as a career or as a hobby for the youth of Australia. The organization is entirely self-funding and is staffed by volunteers who give their time generously to achieve its goals. The Australian Air League has no political, racial or religious connections. The aims and objectives of the Australian Air League include: * To promote and encourage the development of Aviation in the Youth of Australia * To promote good citizenship * To promote ingenuity and resourcefulness of its members * To develop the physical and mental abilities of its members The League's motto "A Vinculo Terrae" translates into "Free from the bonds of the Earth". This motto contains the very essence of flight into space. The Australian Air League was formed in 1934, in an era when Australian Aviators such as Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith, Charles Ulm, Bert Hinkler, Sir Ross and Keith Smith and others were household names and heroes. The first Squadron was opened in Manly (NSW) and the Air League quickly spread throughout that state. In early 1939 the first Squadron was opened in Victoria and in 1944 the first Girls Section was formed. Today the Australian Air League is active in NSW, the ACT, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia and is still expanding. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. You must see some amazing views, so what is your favourite city to look down to from space? 2. If a piece of space junk hit the I.S.S., what is your role? 3. How would you describe space to someone who hasn't been there? 4. What are experiments you have been allocated to look after on the I.S.S.? 5. How long did you have to train to do this? 6. If children/adults wanted to become an astronaut, would you encourage them to or not? Why? 7. What do you miss most from earth? 8. What do you do when you have spare time? 9. How happy were you when you were picked to go to space? 10. What is your favourite thing about being in space? 11. What do you want to achieve that you have not achieved yet? 12. How do you cope being away from your loved ones for extended periods of time? 13. How do you get a haircut in space? 14. Do you need any experience as a pilot to become an astronaut? 15. How does the 3D printer feed the filament in zero gravity? 16. How long have you been in space for and when were you launched? 17. Is it easy to survive with other people in space? 18. What landing craft do you find the most comfortable to travel in? 19. When you look out the window down to earth, what thoughts about home or returning home go through your mind? 20. What food do you eat and how is it prepared? 21. How do they guide the resupply capsules to the ISS? PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES: Visit ARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). To receive our Twitter updates, follow @ARISS_status Next planned event(s): TBD About ARISS: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly with large audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and during these radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and www.arrl.org. Thank you & 73, David - AA4KN --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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SatPC32 issue
by Vincenzo Mone 29 May '17

29 May '17

Hello, I am trying the SatPC32 but cannot get it work. When I go to run it I see that it opens and quickly reclose. I have tried to uninstall and re install it several times but get the same issue Any suggestions? Thanks 73's de Enzo IK8OZV ************************************ ****** GSM +39 328 7110193 ****** ***** SMS +39 328 7110193 ****** ************************************

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LilacSat-1 and Codec2
by Tom Schuessler 29 May '17

29 May '17

OK I'm NOT a Linux guy. Let's see if we can do LilacSat-1 for the rest of us. What I have been able to figure out is that Codec2 is a digital voice codec that creates audio speech out of some input data. If I read things right, LilacSat-1's concept here is to take analog FM (PL tone of 67HZ to open it's squelch), input and digitize the audio and then encode what it hears to digital data using the Codec2 process. That data is transmitted on a 9600 data stream BPSK decoded by an application. I think that is a good basic explanation of the system. A unique concept. Now back to not being a Linux person. I see the posts on the BB dealing with folks using GNU radio to decode the data. GNU Radio which is a Linux Digital voice program apparently can be ported to Windows, but the install process is very touchy feely. My looking at pages about Codec2 I get references to the "FreeDV" program. I found they do have a Windows installer for FreeDV. Is that the accepted program for this purpose using CODEC2? After installing the FreeDV program, I see that there are different flavors of the Codec it uses, but only some of them seem to match what is noted as flavors on the Codec2 development page. Which actual flavor is the LilacSat-1 system using? I intend to give this a listen sometime this long weekend to see if I can decode anything. Should be interesting. Does anyone have raw downlink data samples that I could use to test what the FreeDV program can "hear"? Thanks for the insights. Tom Schuessler, N5HYP

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Re: [amsat-bb] Ham Radios on Princess Cruises - Ya Mon!
by Andy 29 May '17

29 May '17

Yes, it's all about the money, but... One ham with a 20M dipole or dangling vertical, an HF rig and a big battery can really mess things up for us folks with long whips or Arrows and slightly oversized "FRS" HTs... WB5RMA and I usually get inside cabins and I operate from very obscure places on the ships with superb views for the pass I am chasing. Be sure that you are licensed for the ship's registered country... They change a lot. Check out the excellent recent article in the Journal by N5AFV for some excellent guidelines on cruising for satellites. Book Carnival whenever possible. I love putting the water grids on the air! Andy W5ACM/C6ACM, etc... Hamsat cruising since 1992 -----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jeff Moore Sent: Sunday, May 28, 2017 10:59 PM To: Jerry Buxton <n0jy(a)amsat.org> Cc: Amsat BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Ham Radios on Princess Cruises Cruise lines, just like every other money-making business. relies on income from it's customers! You (especially as a RETURNING customer) have a certain amount of pull with the company, threaten to go somewhere else and (if they are SMART) they will pay close attention to that! Can't be bothered? Neither can they! It's real simple, you are either a part of the solution or a part of the problem! Getting on a forum and complaining about a problem you are not willing to do something about is a waste of everyone's time and money. A concerted effort by 750,000 licensed hams in the US will likely get the situation corrected, but you have to be willing to make a difference. So why complain if you aren't willing to pursue a change? 7 3 Jeff Moore -- KE7ACY On Sun, May 28, 2017 at 7:33 PM, Jerry Buxton <n0jy(a)amsat.org> wrote: > Yeahhhh, well Jeff, I certainly like ham radio a lot and maybe more > than I should now and then (certain XYLs will probably attest to that) > but a cruise is a cruise and so not quite enough discomfort with the ham radio > thing to warrant giving up a good vacation. :-) > > Jerry Buxton, NØJY > > On 5/28/2017 20:40, Jeff Moore wrote: > > Cancel your cruise and be very specific as to why you are doing so > > and > then > > book on a line that WILL let you bring your radios!! Hams deserve > > better treatment than this! > > > > 7 3 > > Jeff Moore -- KE7ACY > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. > Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect > the official views of AMSAT-NA. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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Memorial Day EN82 EN83 operation
by Ruth Willet 28 May '17

28 May '17

Reposting this since I'm not sure it went through the first time. Would anyone be interested in a EN82/EN83 grid line operation sometime tomorrow (Memorial Day, May 29th, 2017)? I may be able to do the 18:01Z AO-85 pass from the grid line. 73, Ruth KM4LAO

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Echo Lima Rover Rover
by Gabriel Zeifman 28 May '17

28 May '17

Hello bird people, Short notice roving today. Just departed Austin EM10 heading south. Goal is to activate EL17/18/19, which will complete my second /r transcon line between Mexico and Canada (EL15-EN19), longest I've done so far is EL06-EO01. Secondary goal is EL28/29, not sure if we'll have time to do it today. No plan for passes, I'll get on something when I get there. Hit me up on Twitter if you have a request, no promises on being able to make anything specific. My little brother is behind the wheel today with his learners permit, wish me luck. He intends to listen to video game podcasts or something the whole time, so hopefully I'll retain enough of my sanity to be capable of operating a satellite. Tracking on APRS NJ7H-7 and Iridium share.garmin.com/gz 73, Gabe NJ7H

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EN82 and EN83 Line
by Ruth 28 May '17

28 May '17

Would anyone be interested in a EN82/EN83 grid line operation sometime tomorrow (Memorial Day, May 29th, 2017)? I may be able to do the 18:01Z AO-85 pass from the grid line. 73, Ruth KM4LAO

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